Are you searching for a nourishing meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken. It’s the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that come together in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dish without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This recipe is designed to be both healthy and delicious, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt. Here’s what you’ll love:
– Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
– Packed with protein and whole grains.
– Versatile, allowing for seasonal ingredients and personal tweaks.
– Perfect for leftovers, making it great for lunch the next day.
What We’re Using
To create this wholesome dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups organic brown rice
- 5 cups water
- 14 ½ ounces organic diced tomatoes, ready-cut canned (do not drain)
- 4 organic celery ribs, rinsed and diced
- 1 large sweet white onion, chopped
- Sriracha hot chili sauce (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons organic herb mix (no salt)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 boneless and skinless organic chicken breasts
- ¼ to ½ cup gourmet Yoshida sauce
- Heavy sprinkling of organic herb mix (no salt)
- 1 tablespoon crushed red chili peppers
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
Recommended Tools
To make your cooking experience seamless, here are some recommended tools:
- Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential for even cooking and great flavor.
- Chopping Knife: A good knife will make prepping your vegetables a breeze.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best results.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing your ingredients.
Make Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken: A Simple Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by rinsing your brown rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch and will give you the perfect texture. Chop the celery, onion, and prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, start by adding the rinsed brown rice. Then, pour in the 5 cups of water, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced celery, and chopped onion.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Now, it’s time to add your spices! Sprinkle the organic herb mix, cumin, and paprika over the top. For an extra kick, squirt some sriracha hot chili sauce over the mixture before giving it a good stir to combine everything.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetable mixture. Drizzle the gourmet Yoshida sauce over the chicken, then squirt additional sriracha hot chili sauce to cover the chicken for added flavor. Finish with a generous sprinkle of organic herb mix, crushed red chili peppers, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to let the chicken cook until it’s tender and the brown rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken!
Seasonal Spins
Switch up the flavors by incorporating seasonal ingredients:
- Add fresh spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
- In the fall, consider adding diced butternut squash for a sweet, autumn flavor.
- Summer vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can be mixed in for added color and taste.
- In winter, try adding root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips for heartiness.
Cook’s Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your personal preference.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha and crushed red chili peppers.
- This recipe is highly customizable; swap in different proteins like turkey or tofu if desired.
- For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Popular Questions
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. White rice cooks faster, so check it after 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
Can I cook this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can make this dish in a pot on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is done, usually about 30-40 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amounts of sriracha, crushed red chili peppers, and cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some warm naan bread to soak up the flavors.
Make It Tonight
This Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a lifestyle choice that leads to a healthier you. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. You’ll be amazed by how easy it is to prepare a meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
Now go ahead, give this recipe a try, and savor every delicious bite!
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Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by rinsing your brown rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch and will give you the perfect texture. Chop the celery, onion, and prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat.
- In your slow cooker, start by adding the rinsed brown rice. Then, pour in the 5 cups of water, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced celery, and chopped onion.
- Now, it's time to add your spices! Sprinkle the organic herb mix, cumin, and paprika over the top. For an extra kick, squirt some sriracha hot chili sauce over the mixture before giving it a good stir to combine everything.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and vegetable mixture. Drizzle the gourmet Yoshida sauce over the chicken, then squirt additional sriracha hot chili sauce to cover the chicken for added flavor. Finish with a generous sprinkle of organic herb mix, crushed red chili peppers, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to let the chicken cook until it’s tender and the brown rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Stay Healthy Slow Cooker Brown Rice and Chicken!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your personal preference.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha and crushed red chili peppers.
- This recipe is highly customizable; swap in different proteins like turkey or tofu if desired.
- For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker.
